The Malta Gaming Authority (“the MGA” or “the Authority”) has issued a public consultation regarding the proposed regulations and policy document on Authorised Application Managers. This will run until the 15th of March 2023 (six weeks) and is aimed at industry stakeholders to give their opinions and recommendations.
The aim of this consultation and the proposed documents is to improve the level of efficiency and expediency of the Authority’s authorisation process. The MGA would be able to monitor and control the quality and accuracy of the documentation and information it receives from third parties representing applicants and licensees (“Application Managers”), thereby ensuring a higher quality of service. This will in no way detract from the right of applicants and licensees to interact directly with the Authority.
The Authority has issued drafts for the Regulations and the Policy which will cover Application Managers. The Regulations will delineate the scope, functions and obligations of Application Manager and establish the powers of the Authority while the Policy will provide further clarity on the expectations of the Authority.
The Policy is divided into four parts, the first of which provides for the role and authorisation process of an Application Manager, the eligibility criteria and the fitness and propriety checks to which applicants shall be subjected. The second part goes through the process of engagement of an Application Manager by a client, while the third part goes into the specific obligations for the application manager and the policies which need to be in place. The final part focuses on the compliance and enforcement implications of the Authority and explains in detail the way in which an Application Manager’s authorisation may be surrendered.
The Application Manager’s role shall be to act as a liaison between the client and the Authority on matters arising in connection with an application for any authorisation; guide their client in relation to the responsibilities and obligations of the client; and receive and provide information and documentation to the Authority.
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